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Funnel Bay Whitsundays first structure wins award

THE Whitsundays’ newest suburb got off to an award-winning start with the very first structure winning the Housing Institute of Australia (HIA) Outdoor Project Award for the Mackay and Central Queensland region.

The award-winning project, built by McNeill Building, is the centrepiece of the $800,000 botanic gardens and landscaping at Funnel Bay’s The Beaches.
Builder, Ross McNeill, said the design process was critical because the project would be the first structures and would set the standard for the entire suburb.
“It needed to be something modern and we wanted to make sure they were striking but didn’t want to pigeon-hole the future structures to a specific theme, such as Balinese, for instance,” he said.

“The result is something that looks great but there are key elements that owners can build into their own homes the way they want without these sticking out or overpowering the development.”
Products used for the project were a particularly important consideration given the harsh environment with lots of sun, sand, salt and the occasional cyclone.
Mr McNeill said choosing the right materials for the job created something of exceptional quality that would look brilliant for years to come.
“We sourced hardwood posts in the local area, having them cut-to-order at the Eungella Saw Mill,” he said.

“The Bondor roof panels are insulated Colorbond panels so people using the gazebo can do so in comfort, even in the height of a tropical summer.
“The deck is Hardie Deck so it looks like timber but will perform much better for longer than traditional timber, especially in a high use area.
“The Stackstone is Brisbane Sandstone with custom corner pieces so the finishes is exceptional with no mitre joints and it matches in with the rest of the feature tiles in the development.”
Funnel Bay marketing agent, PRDnationwide Whitsunday’s Christie Leet, said the project was the perfect way to kick off construction at Funnel Bay.
“The Beaches is the last beachfront land to be developed on the Whitsunday Coast and the developers have made the most of the site by producing 10 large blocks just one step onto the secluded beach,” he said.

“Another four garden view lots surround a botanic garden that befits a location bounded by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Conway National Park.
“Funnel Bay was designed to be a retreat that makes residents feel like they are a million miles from anywhere and the botanic garden with this award-winning outdoor area certainly creates the right atmosphere.”

McNeill Building’s outdoor project now progresses for judging at the HIA North Queensland awards.